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Register with a Performing Rights Organization (PRO) to collect performance royalties when your songs are played on radio, TV, streaming platforms, and live venues. This is separate revenue from your distributor.
What Are Performance Royalties?
Performance royalties are generated every time your song is "performed" publicly - whether on radio, television, streaming platforms, live venues, restaurants, stores, or any public setting. These royalties belong to the songwriter and publisher (the composition), not the recording artist or record label.
Revenue Sources:
• Radio airplay (AM/FM, satellite, internet radio)
• Television and film placements
• Streaming platforms (performance portion of streams)
• Live venues and concert halls
• Background music in businesses (stores, restaurants, gyms)
• International airplay and performances
Revenue Split:
Each performance generates royalties split 50/50 between:
• Writer's Share - Goes directly to songwriters
• Publisher's Share - Goes to music publishers (or you, if self-published)
• Radio airplay (AM/FM, satellite, internet radio)
• Television and film placements
• Streaming platforms (performance portion of streams)
• Live venues and concert halls
• Background music in businesses (stores, restaurants, gyms)
• International airplay and performances
Revenue Split:
Each performance generates royalties split 50/50 between:
• Writer's Share - Goes directly to songwriters
• Publisher's Share - Goes to music publishers (or you, if self-published)
Critical Point: PROs collect performance royalties that streaming platforms and distributors cannot collect. Even if you're on Spotify through DistroKid, you're missing the performance royalty portion of those streams without PRO registration.
PRO Comparison Guide
Choose the PRO that best fits your music style, career goals, and service preferences:
ASCAP
Structure:
Non-profit, member-owned organization founded in 1914Membership:
Writer: $50 • Publisher: $50 (one-time fees)Strengths:
• Strong in pop, rock, country, R&B• Excellent advocacy and lobbying
• ASCAP Foundation grants and awards
• Good international collection network
• Transparent payment system
Payment:
Quarterly distributions with detailed statementsBest For:
Songwriters in mainstream genres seeking comprehensive support and advocacyBMI
Structure:
For-profit organization founded in 1939Membership:
Writer: FREE • Publisher: $150 (one-time fees)Strengths:
• Strong in hip-hop, R&B, Latin, country• Free writer membership
• Excellent customer service
• Strong digital platform relationships
• Good emerging artist programs
Payment:
Quarterly distributions with online trackingBest For:
Emerging artists and budget-conscious songwriters, especially in urban musicSESAC
Structure:
Private, invitation-only organization founded in 1930Membership:
By invitation only - no feesStrengths:
• Selective, boutique approach• Higher per-play rates due to smaller catalog
• Personalized service
• Strong in gospel, Christian, Americana
• Advanced technology and faster payments